Chapter 217: Chapter 217: Officially Getting to Know Them
In the luxurious box at the end of the third-floor corridor, they had agreed to meet at seven, but everyone was already there except for the three of them.
When they arrived, everyone greeted them in unison, so enthusiastically that Gu Yan felt a bit embarrassed.
Wang Qi, on the other hand, remained quite calm; after all, she wasn’t the main character here, and compared to Gu Yan, she was better at keeping her composure.
Tang Yuxiu led the two of them inside, and Xue Xianglan immediately came over, warmly linking arms with Gu Yan and pulling her towards the women’s area.
Without a doubt, Lu Yiyun definitely wouldn’t miss such an occasion, and she was already there waiting for them.
Gu Yan didn’t forget to pull Wang Qi along as well.
Xue Xianglan raised her eyebrows with a smile, "Is this the new friend you mentioned last time whose temperament matches well with mine?"
Gu Yan nodded, "That’s right."
Like attracts like, and people flock together.
Gu Yan was absolutely certain that the four of them would get along just fine.
They all had the same taste.
Consequently, Gu Yan introduced the three of them to each other.
And indeed, once they got to know each other, they clicked so well that it felt as if there was no barrier between new acquaintances, and they got on splendidly.
Gu Yan was very satisfied and in a great mood.
However, they got along so well that it seemed she was somewhat left out.
At this moment, Xue Jiarui stood up with a wine glass and moved to the center of the open space, shouting, "Stop chatting among yourselves; let’s get to today’s topic now!"
Hearing this, everyone ceased talking and looked at him.
Xue Jiarui felt internally satisfied with this kind of reaction; his presence was very strong.
But having started, he needed to wrap it up.
Xue Jiarui continued to shout, "We’re all gathered here today to celebrate Gu Yan, celebrate her for passing the assessment. So let’s give some applause!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he was the first to start clapping, and the others followed, applauding generously.
Xue Jiarui secretly wiped the sweat from his brow, fearing his mischievous friends would mess things up at this moment. It was probably all thanks to Gu Yan’s good luck.
Gu Yan felt quite embarrassed; it seemed even less appropriate to stay seated, so she stood up and bowed politely to everyone, "Thank you all."
She really ought to thank these few who weren’t closely acquainted with her for being so thoughtful in celebrating her modest achievement. Though she knew it was all thanks to Tang Yuxiu, their attitude made her feel recognized.
Being with Tang Yuxiu, she lacked enough confidence, as the path ahead was filled with thorns, though she hadn’t yet faced them, she was well aware of them.
But to receive the approval of his long-time brothers was a real joy to her heart.
At least not everyone opposed their being together or looked down on her humble origins, thinking she wasn’t worthy of Tang Yuxiu.
She was very grateful and touched.
Tang Yuxiu appeared cold and indifferent; even though they had clarified things, he didn’t seem that invested in the relationship, but he silently gave her confidence in his own way.
Through the dim and beautifully lit room, Gu Yan looked at Tang Yuxiu. He was holding a wine glass, his exquisite and handsome features stirring Gu Yan’s heartstrings.
His dark eyes seemed to contain intense affection, quickly hidden from view, making it impossible to discern.
Xue Jiarui’s voice broke the gentle and twisting thoughts in Gu Yan’s heart.
"Gu Yan, don’t be polite. We’re all friends here, so don’t feel reserved. None of us are serious people! Rest assured!"
Gu Yan found this quite amusing; outside and in public, these people didn’t know how serious and proper they appeared, but perhaps only among themselves, they were so casual and seemingly easygoing.
Gu Yan nodded in agreement, "Alright, very pleased to meet everyone."
"Haha, let me introduce us. I’m Xue Jiarui, Xue Xianglan’s younger brother, biological!" While saying this, Xue Jiarui was still surprised; people not in the same family don’t hang out together, and now they were all forming a circle of acquaintances.
"Doctor Xiang hardly needs an introduction, nor does our all-capable Assistant You. Gu Yan, you must see them often."
Then Xue Jiarui pointed to the last unfamiliar man in the room for Gu Yan and said, "This is Tang Mubei, indeed, the younger brother of your Tang Young Master, who is known as Second Young Master Tang."
Gu Yan looked over; she had seen a few of Tang Yuxiu’s brothers, but had never met Tang Mubei.
Tang Mubei’s features were somewhat similar to Tang Yuxiu’s, but the feeling he gave her was completely different. They both had a similar sense of aloofness, but Gu Yan still felt they were quite different.
At this point, Xue Jiarui added, "But Gu Yan, having been with Tang Young Master for so long, you should know what he’s like; his brother is probably quite similar to him."
The last sentence was purely a joke from Xue Jiarui, but it still attracted a cold glance from the Tang brothers.
The others gave no face and laughed at him.
Xue Jiarui glared back at each one of them.
Gu Yan nodded, indicating she understood, and now she considered herself officially acquainted with them.
None of them were awkward individuals, and after getting to know each other, they quickly hit it off, and things were not awkward, nor did they hold back because they had just met. They all showed their most straightforward and genuine selves.
Gu Yan felt very happy; honestly, in her whole life, she hadn’t played or had fun with so many people together before.
Memories of her childhood were vague, but the events following her adoption by the Gu Family were still quite clear.
Because of her family situation, she rarely had the chance to interact with people or make friends. In high school, she was busy with work and studying, only knowing Xue Xianglan and Qin Junnan. After that, she entered society, working every day to earn money, exhausted to the point of death, with no more time to forge connections with others.
Though having Xue Xianglan as a good friend was enough, many times she still felt lonely.
This lonely city, neon lights flashing, she found herself small amidst it all, no matter how she walked, she was all alone.
This lively scene right now, she had never even dared to dream about, yet it actually came true.
This lively event prepared especially for her made her feel warm inside.
Feeling happy, Gu Yan, who didn’t hold her liquor well, drank a few more glasses, feeling a bit dizzy but still able to stand, see people clearly, and keep her thoughts clear.
Tang Yuxiu, though slightly frowning at the side, did not stop her. It was rare to see her so happy, so he let her be happy for the night.
The gathering lasted until almost midnight before everyone dispersed, with most having drunk a bit.
The men, being experienced, could handle more without issue, but the girls couldn’t hold their alcohol as well.
Lu Yiyun was among the better ones, though she also felt a bit dizzy.
The other three didn’t want to move, barely able to stand.
Wang Qi wobbled as she stood up, "I can’t take it, I won’t drink so much next time."
Tang Yuxiu spoke up, "Shuyang, take Miss Wang home."
Hearing this, Wang Qi didn’t refuse. She really couldn’t drive now, and having someone to take her was best. She trusted the character of Tang Yuxiu’s subordinates.
"Sorry to trouble you, Assistant You."
Assistant You smiled, "My pleasure."
Afterward, Xue Jiarui, with the excuse of having a night out of mischief and flirtation, left the task of taking Xue Xianglan home in Xiang Linghao’s capable hands.
Xiang Linghao gave him a satisfied look, showing brotherly approval.
Xue Jiarui raised his chin, smartly acting when needed.
A drunk woman and a man who loves her, what a great opportunity indeed.
Xue Jiarui happily imagined how things might just naturally fall into place.
Lu Yiyun was handed over to Tang Mubei. Though Tang Mubei’s face was cold, he didn’t refuse, and rather ungraciously dragged Lu Yiyun out first.
One by one, the group left, Tang Yuxiu directly lifted the muddled and intoxicated Gu Yan off her feet and carried her downstairs.
Nie Rong was also meeting with friends there. These few days, she had been in a foul mood due to Tang Yuxiu. Her friends wanted to party all night, but she excused herself due to not feeling well and left early.
But she didn’t expect to encounter Tang Yuxiu so coincidentally in the lobby.
In his arms was a woman, no need to think, Nie Rong knew who it was.
Seeing this scene and remembering how Tang Yuxiu always kept his distance with her, she couldn’t help clenching her fists, jealousy and dissatisfaction boiling in her gaze.
Why could Gu Yan so easily gain his proximity, his initiative, while she, even with that shade of red, couldn’t move him at all!
To call him cold and unfeeling, yet he’s so kind to another woman, why isn’t that person her!
In what way is she inferior to Gu Yan?
In terms of birth, background, appearance, or ability, Nie Rong confidently felt she surpassed Gu Yan, yet Tang Yuxiu still chose Gu Yan!
Even though she obtained the support of the Gu Family’s head, announcing their imminent engagement before everyone, Tang Yuxiu made it clear he wouldn’t marry her, willing to defy Old Sir Tang.
Why did Tang Yuxiu so overlook her!
Nie Rong resentfully watched them, her gaze venomous like a snake’s, cold and terrifying.
Gu Yan nestled in Tang Yuxiu’s arms, suddenly feeling the wind blowing a bit cold, couldn’t help but shrink.
Tang Yuxiu instinctively held her tighter, quickening his pace toward his car.
Gu Yan, in her drunkenness, remained quiet, not causing a scene, just letting him carry her, letting him place her in the passenger seat.
She half-closed her eyes, her face flushed red, her lips a vivid color, appearing very tempting to Tang Yuxiu.
He couldn’t resist giving her a heavy, deep kiss on her lips, quickly pulling back, fastening her seatbelt, shutting the car door, and getting in to drive her home.
Nie Rong took all of this in, biting her lip as if she couldn’t feel the pain.
Gu Yan, I swear you’ll never die easy!
Tang Yuxiu is mine, even if I can’t have him, neither can you!
She absolutely couldn’t allow someone she found inferior to her to attain what even she couldn’t! Her pride and dignity forbade it!
The two in the car had no idea they were being watched, even less that someone couldn’t stand the sight of them.
Gu Yan especially remained entirely ignorant.
Speaking of which, she was truly the most innocent one, having done nothing, yet making someone want her dead.